10 questions the Rays face as spring training begins

ST. PETERSBURG — For a team without many obvious decisions, Rays officials will have much to talk about this spring.

They’ll officially begin doing so Tuesday afternoon at the camp opening media session on Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. The location itself will be one of the questions as they deal with the complications of being forced to find temporary training bases after their Port Charlotte facility was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Here are 10 more talking points as the Rays head to camp in search of a fifth straight playoff appearance, with first practice for pitchers and catchers Wednesday:

1. How did they not add a hitter in the offseason when that was their #1 priority?

Wander Franco, right, celebrates with teammate Brandon Lowe after the Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox during a September game in Boston. [ WINSLOW TOWNSON | AP ]

They tried a few, most notably Michael Brantley or Brandon Belt and/or Sean Murphy, but they didn’t get any. They explored other options but felt that with market prices elevated they weren’t necessarily better bets than the young players they already had (notably Josh Lowe) and hope they can prevail. They’re also banking heavily on strong recovery seasons from Wander Franco and Brandon Lowe, who missed much of 2022 through injury. Spring may be an indicator, but the first few months of the season will be more telling as to whether they made the right decision or need to get back shopping before the close.

2. Could they still do something to strengthen the offense, specifically the veteran left hitter they were looking for?

Sure, there’s always a chance. The most intriguing remaining free-agent option seems to be Jurickson Profar, a switch-hitter who can play all infield and outfield positions and has averaged 15 homers in his last four full seasons. Or a trade could develop if a team that needs the Rays’ surplus of pitching and/or midfielders is willing to dangle a bat. Two 40-man squad spots may open on Wednesday by placing pitchers Shane Baz and Andrew Kittredge on the 60-day injured list.

3. How will they fill what appears to be the largest opening on first base?

First baseman/designated hitter Ji-Man Choi was traded to the Pirates in November.

[ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]

With Ji-Man Choi swapped and no replacement found, the plan for now is to use right-hander Yandy Diaz and replace him in third place with a calmer move of Isaac Paredes and Taylor Walls. Other internal options include transferring Brandon Lowe from second base or giving potential Jonathan Aranda a chance.

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4. What will be the biggest competition for roster spots?

Eleven of the 13 position player spots appear to be filled, with perhaps a small question of Rene Pinto edging out Christian Bethancourt or Francisco Mejia for one of the catch slots. Otherwise, there seems to be two spots for a combination of Aranda, Vidal Brujan, Josh Lowe and Luke Raley. Brujan is a switch hitter, the others left-handed. Lowe and Raley (who are out of options) are outfielders. Brujan can play anywhere and brings speed. Aranda was able to move a bit except play first.

5. What about the pitching staff?

Assuming the six main returning aides are healthy and Ryan Thompson stays close, that could leave a bullpen spot for Calvin Faucher, pictured. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]

With five set starters for the first time in a while (Shane McClanahan, Tyler Glasnow, Jeffrey Springs, newcomer Zach Eflin, Drew Rasmussen) and high quality (Luis Patino, Yonny Chirinos, Josh Fleming, potential Taj Bradley), the opens are good for a bullpen spot or two. Assuming the top six returning helpers are healthy and Ryan Thompson stays close, that seems like a place for Calvin Faucher, Rule 5 pick Kevin Kelly, unlisted Trevor Kelley, a long helper (Fleming ?) Or let someone else.

6. Are there any ongoing injury concerns?

Not really. Brandon Lowe’s return from a previous edition is one of the biggest keys to their success. According to manager Kevin Cash, he’s “all in action” having handled all normal off-season batting work with no issues. “And that’s great,” Cash said. Outfielder Jose Siri is said to be over an oblique winter ball strain, and infield prospect Curtis Mead the elbow problem that ended his 2022 season at Triple-A. Baz, Kittredge and Colby White, the relief candidate, will be in Tommy John’s rehab protocol.

7. Which prospects are worth seeing?

Taj Bradley is among the prospects worth keeping an eye on and will likely make his way to the majors sometime in 2023. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]

Bradley and Mead are their two best and will likely make the majors sometime in 2023. Infielders Osleivis Basabe and Greg Jones, and White, were also added to the 40-man roster. Other notable players at camp include first baseman Kyle Manzardo, starter Mason Montgomery and reliever Evan Reifert.

8. Who are some of the other non-cadre invitees who could help?

At 40, it’s hard to say. Kelley, a 30-year-old helper who was with the Red Sox, Phillies and Brewers, is one. Other assists with great league time include Zack Burdi, Ryan Burr, Kyle Crick, Heath Hembree, Hector Perez and Elvin Rodriguez. Should there be a breach or trade, veteran utility Charlie Culberson could step in.

9. Who will most of the 16 players missing from the 2022 squad miss?

Kevin Kiermaier has been with the Rays organization for 13 years and has grown him into a team leader willing to speak out in the clubhouse and speak to the media on behalf of the team. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]

At least initially Kevin Kiermaier. While Siri replaced him in midfield, Kiermaier’s 13 years in the organization made him a team leader willing to speak out in the clubhouse and speak for the team to the media. Other Notable Missing Veterans: Choi, Ryan Yarbrough, and Mike Zunino.

10. What problems will the new website cause and what other problems are there?

The Rays appear confident that they will be able to spend the first two weeks of camp at Disney and then move camp to Tropicana Field with minimal disruption and inconvenience. Other concerns include: the addition of three first-time big league coaches to the staff; 12 players (eight big leagues) and 10 staff (including two major league coaches) miss time for the World Baseball Classic; and to adapt to several league-wide rule changes, such as: B. the pitch clock, shift restrictions and limits for pickoff throws.

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